So, you've just snagged yourself a used American Deluxe guitar, awesome! But now you're staring at it, wondering, "Is this thing really what it claims to be?" Don't sweat it, guitar sleuth, we've all been there. Figuring out if a guitar body is legit can feel like a detective novel, but with a few key checks, you can usually sniff out any fishy business. Let's dive into the world of guitar authentication and make sure you got the real deal. This guide will walk you through inspecting your new treasure, ensuring it's a genuine American Deluxe and not a clever imitation.
Checking the Obvious: Serial Number and Headstock
Okay, first things first, let's tackle the easy stuff. The serial number is your guitar's unique ID, and the headstock is like its face. These are the first places counterfeiters often mess up, so pay close attention. Finding the serial number is usually on the back of the headstock. American Deluxe guitars typically have a serial number that follows a specific format. Check online resources and official guitar manufacturer websites to understand the serial number patterns for the year your guitar was supposedly made. Compare the font and placement of the serial number to known authentic examples. Any inconsistencies, like a blurry font, uneven spacing, or an unusual placement, should raise a red flag. Closely inspect the headstock shape and logo. The logo should be crisp and clear, not smudged or poorly applied. The headstock shape itself should match the correct profile for an American Deluxe from its production year. Any deviations from the standard shape or logo design could indicate a fake. And while you're at it, scrutinize the finish on the headstock. Does it match the body? Is it evenly applied? Inconsistencies here can also be a sign of tampering or a non-original headstock.
Diving Deeper: Body Inspection
Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the body itself. This is where things get interesting, and where you can really start to separate the genuine articles from the imposters. We'll look at everything from the finish and wood type to the routing and contours.
The Finish
First up, let's talk about the finish. American Deluxe guitars are known for their high-quality finishes, so this is a great place to spot inconsistencies. Original models often feature a thin, even finish that allows the wood to resonate freely. Counterfeit guitars, on the other hand, often have thick, uneven finishes that can dampen the guitar's tone. Examine the finish closely under good lighting. Look for any signs of orange peel, which is a texture that looks like the skin of an orange. Orange peel is a common defect in cheaper finishes. Also, check for any inconsistencies in the color or gloss level. The finish should be uniform across the entire body. If you see any areas that look different, it could be a sign that the guitar has been refinished or that the body is not original. Check the edges of the body and around the neck pocket. The finish should be smooth and even, with no signs of chipping or cracking. Any imperfections in these areas could indicate that the body has been poorly made or that it has been subjected to rough handling.
Wood Type
Next, let's talk about the wood itself. American Deluxe guitars are typically made from high-quality woods, such as alder, ash, or sometimes mahogany. The specific wood used will depend on the year and model of the guitar. Do your research to find out what wood was typically used for the year and model of your guitar. Once you know what wood to expect, inspect the body closely. Look at the grain pattern of the wood. The grain should be tight and consistent, with no signs of knots or other imperfections. Also, check the weight of the body. Different woods have different densities, so the weight of the body can be a clue as to whether it is made from the correct wood. If possible, remove the neck and inspect the neck pocket. The wood in the neck pocket should match the wood of the body. Also, check for any signs of shimming or other modifications. These modifications could indicate that the neck is not original to the body.
Body Contours
Another key thing to look at is the body contours. American Deluxe guitars have specific body contours that are carefully shaped for comfort and playability. Counterfeit guitars often have poorly shaped contours that can feel uncomfortable to play. Compare the contours of your guitar to photos of known authentic examples. Pay close attention to the forearm contour, the belly cut, and the neck joint. These areas should be smooth and comfortable, with no sharp edges or awkward angles. If the contours feel wrong, it could be a sign that the body is not original.
Routing and Cavities
Time to get a bit more hands-on! Pop off the pickguard and control plate and peek inside. The routing (the channels and cavities cut into the wood for electronics) can tell you a lot. Original American Deluxe guitars have clean, precise routing. Counterfeit guitars often have sloppy, uneven routing. Check the size and shape of the pickup cavities. They should be the correct size and shape for the pickups that are installed in the guitar. Also, check the wiring channels. They should be clean and neatly routed, with no signs of damage or modification. Inspect the control cavity. The pots and switch should be high-quality components, and the wiring should be neatly done. If you see any cheap components or sloppy wiring, it could be a sign that the guitar is not original. Also, look for any signs of extra holes or modifications in the cavities. These modifications could indicate that the guitar has been tampered with.
Neck Joint and Pocket
The neck joint is where the neck attaches to the body. This is a critical area for the guitar's stability and tone, so it's important to inspect it carefully. A tight, well-fitted neck joint is essential for good sustain and resonance. Remove the neck (if you're comfortable doing so) and inspect the neck pocket. The neck should fit snugly into the pocket, with no gaps or excessive play. Check the angle of the neck. It should be straight and true, with no signs of twisting or warping. Also, check the screws that hold the neck in place. They should be tight and secure, with no signs of stripping or damage. If the neck joint is loose or poorly fitted, it can cause problems with the guitar's intonation and playability. Also, a poorly fitted neck joint can negatively affect the guitar's tone and sustain.
Hardware and Electronics
Don't forget about the hardware and electronics! These components can also provide clues about the authenticity of your guitar. Original American Deluxe guitars are equipped with high-quality hardware and electronics. Counterfeit guitars often have cheap, inferior components. Inspect the pickups. They should be the correct type for the year and model of your guitar. Also, check the markings on the pickups. They should match the markings on known authentic pickups. Examine the bridge and tuners. They should be high-quality components that are in good working order. Also, check the markings on the bridge and tuners. They should match the markings on known authentic components. Test the electronics. The pots and switch should operate smoothly and quietly, with no crackling or popping. Also, check the output of the pickups. They should have a strong, clear signal. If the hardware and electronics are cheap or poorly made, it could be a sign that the guitar is not original.
Trust Your Gut (and Maybe a Pro)
Okay, you've done all the checks, and you're still not 100% sure? That's totally fine! Sometimes, it's just hard to tell. If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to take your guitar to a reputable guitar tech or appraiser. They have the experience and expertise to spot even the most subtle signs of a fake. Plus, trust your gut! If something just doesn't feel right about the guitar, it's probably worth investigating further.
Buying a used guitar can be a fantastic way to get your hands on a great instrument at a reasonable price. But it's important to do your homework and be aware of the risks. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of buying an authentic American Deluxe guitar and avoid getting ripped off. Happy playing, guitar fans!
